Joshua 18:6
And you shall describe the land in seven divisions and bring the description here to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to overlook that Joshua isn't just dividing land; he's ensuring the whole process happens "before the LORD our God." This means every tribe's portion, determined by lot, is meant to be seen as divinely appointed, meant to bring peace and contentment through acknowledging God’s ultimate authority in their inheritance.
After the tribes of Judah and Joseph had received their portions, seven tribes were still without their inheritance. Joshua, though ready to cast lots, reproached them for their delay in taking possession of the land God had given them. He instructed them to survey the land into seven divisions and bring him a written description so he could cast lots before the Lord at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was now set up.
Imagine receiving a map that dictates your future home. That's what was happening here, but with a divine twist.
Before the lots could be cast, a meticulous survey of the remaining land was necessary. Joshua instructed men to 'describe the land into seven parts.' This wasn't a quick sketch; it was a detailed mapping, likely including cities, features, and boundaries. This thoroughness ensured that when the lots were cast, the assignments were based on a clear understanding of what each portion entailed. It’s a reminder that God’s plans, even when involving the mysteriousness of the lot, are built on careful preparation and knowledge. The people were commissioned to provide this detailed groundwork.
Why didn't Joshua just assign the land himself? The answer lies in who was really in charge.
The act of casting lots wasn't just a random draw; it was a sacred act performed 'before the LORD.' This meant that the allocation of land was seen as directly coming from God. It served two crucial purposes:
This ritual affirmed that God’s sovereign will guided the distribution, securing each tribe’s possession as a sacred trust.
Why was Shiloh chosen as the place for this critical decision? It wasn't just any campsite.
The casting of lots took place in Shiloh, where the Tabernacle of Meeting had been set up. This location was significant because it represented the very presence of God among His people. Performing such a vital task as dividing the Promised Land 'before the LORD' in Shiloh meant:
Understand the original words
goral · Hebrew Noun
A ritual method used in the Old Testament to determine the will of God in making decisions, resolving disputes, or apportioning land. It implies that the outcome is directed by the LORD rather than by chance.
erets · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the land of Canaan promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It signifies the place where God’s people live under His rule and experience His provision.
The lengthy delay in distributing the remaining land highlights a tension between God's provision and the people's willingness to fully possess it, underscoring the importance of faith and action in securing divine promises.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin the military campaign to conquer the Promised Land after crossing the Jordan River. Major victories at Jericho and Ai mark the initial phase.
c. 1405 BC
Land divided among initial tribes
Joshua distributes land to the tribes of Judah, Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), and Benjamin. The remaining seven tribes have yet to receive their inheritance.
c. 1405 BC
Shiloh established as central sanctuary
The Tabernacle is moved to Shiloh, becoming the central place of worship and national assembly. This marks a significant shift in Israel's religious and administrative center.
c. 1405 BC— this verse
Surveyors commissioned to map the land
Joshua commissions men from the seven remaining tribes to survey and describe the remaining unconquered portions of the land in detail.
This passage highlights the foundational principle of dividing the land by lot, showing it's a consistent method God uses for assigning inheritance within His people.
Joshua 14:2This verse shows that the casting of lots was already established as the method for dividing the land, demonstrating a continuity in God's plan for His people's inheritance.
1 Samuel 10:20-21This passage illustrates the use of lots to identify individuals, paralleling how lots were used in Joshua to identify tribal portions, all under God's watchful eye.
Proverbs 16:33This proverb speaks to the sovereignty of God over the casting of lots, affirming that even in a seemingly random process, God directs the outcome to fulfill His purposes.
Acts 1:26This New Testament example shows the continuation of using the lot to fill a vacant position, demonstrating the enduring principle of seeking God's guidance through this method.
calvinJoshua 18:1-10: "And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them."
Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.
Tradite ex vobis tres viros per tribum, quos mittam: surgentque et ambulabunt per terram, descr…
bensonJoshua 18:6: "Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God."
Joshua 18:6 . That I may cast lots for you here before the Lord — That is, before the ark or tabernacle, that God may be witness and judge, and be acknowledged to be the author of the division, and each tribe may be contented with its lot, as being appointed by divine authority, and that your several possessions may be secured t…
It's easy to overlook that Joshua isn't just dividing land; he's ensuring the whole process happens "before the LORD our God." This means every tribe's portion, determined by lot, is meant to be seen as divinely appointed, meant to bring peace and contentment through acknowledging God’s ultimate authority in their inheritance.
After the tribes of Judah and Joseph had received their portions, seven tribes were still without their inheritance. Joshua, though ready to cast lots, reproached them for their delay in taking possession of the land God had given them. He instructed them to survey the land into seven divisions and bring him a written description so he could cast lots before the Lord at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was now set up.
After the tribes of Judah and Joseph had received their portions, seven tribes were still without their inheritance. Joshua, though ready to cast lots, reproached them for their delay in taking possession of the land God had given them. He instructed them to survey the land into seven divisions and bring him a written description so he could cast lots before the Lord at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was now set up.
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This gathering at Shiloh was a powerful reminder that the Promised Land was not merely conquered territory but a gift from God, to be received and settled in His presence.
c. 1405 BC
Land divided by lot among seven tribes
Joshua casts lots before the LORD in Shiloh, assigning the remaining territories to the seven tribes that had not yet received their inheritance.
"And you shall describe the land in seven divisions and bring the description here to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the LORD our God." — It's easy to overlook that Joshua isn't just dividing land; he's ensuring the whole process happens "before the LORD our God." This means every tribe's portion, determined by lot, is meant to be seen…
